Powerless No Longer: Reprogramming Your Addictive Behavior

This new entry into the crowded field of addiction recovery literature is still a worthy and important contribution.It points out the common fallacy that one becomes powerless over a substance which leads to an addictive behaviour and that one no long has choice about continuing to use or stop.First a substance is just that - a thing. It has no inherent power. Being powerless over a thing is a blatant misconception . It is true that the addict who misuses a substance such as alcohol " feels" powerless , but as the author points out and has been shown again and again, the power is still there. With sufficient motivation , people with these sorts of problem can regain their ability to choose not to use- the majority do with no further help as wonderfully described by Pete Soderman in this book- from his own first hand experience. This phenomenon of natural recover is very common but not really known all that well inspite of its importance. If one becomes aware of the problem early enough in the process of substance misuse, and decide to stop- that's it. Now Im not saying its easy but happens. Can happen and does happen.Many however seek some support and help and this is good because its there. Rather like an assisted natural recovery for many. The author points out , and this is the strength of the book, that there are now alternatives available. And one can exercise the power of choice in figuring out what is best for them- and it is an individual process. One size does not fit all.For years all there was available was the 12 step approach of which the most well known is Alcoholics Anonymous. In my opinion, as well as many others, there are lots of problems with AA. Thats not the purpose of this review however to point that out - but that not having choice is a huge issue. Or rather was.Well no longer is it AA or no way. And this book points them all out so you can choose for yourself. I myself chose one the book tells alot about called Smart Recovery. Smart is a science ( psychology) based and now evidence based approach that at least to me makes sense. And it works - not just for me. It is now increasingly available both in face to face and online meetings.No longer does one need to declare that one is powerless and the only way out is to rely on a higher power to do what you can learn to do and succeed to do yourself. No longer do you need to brand yourself an alcholic who needs to attend meetings for the rest of you life. No longer do you have a chronic progressive incurable disease which can only be managed by something other than yourself; this most commonly being God.This book nicely lays out what Smart is, how it works, and how to use the self-empowering tools incorporated into the secular program as one grows through the change process known as "Recovery" . That starts with abstinence but is a growth process that takes time and work . But one can recover- permanently and completly, keeping in mind of course that you can develop the problem again. And Pete Soderman in a nicely crafted and well-written, easiliy accessible work shows just how to do this.I like this book alot and think an important contribution for anyone coming to realize they might like to have the overwhelmingly likely better they will enjoy without this generally destructive behavior.

Insightful reading that gave me plenty to consider, and to act on. Much of what is discussed here makes good sense. I recommend this for anyone who struggles to buy the whole 12-step philosophy, which seems to rely on submission, humiliation, and self-abasement. None of this is easy- honest self-reflection is required, but you don't have to beat yourself up, out loud, in front of other people. This book gives you some other options.

Soooo educational. I couldn’t stomach AA. Written for someone that wants the power and mind to recover.

I think this is a powerful story, written by a man who has lived the journey of trying to recover from alcoholism. He has experience with AA, lots of experience with addicts and addiction, knows the literature and research and provides a broad approach to recovery with nothing off the table. Highly recommended for those struggling with addiction and their families.

"Powerless No Longer" is one of those valuable "Ah Ha" reads that come around once in awhile. This book, written from personal experiences and considerable research, has, in my opinion, more credibility and far superior advice for those attempting to understand how to overcome the bonds of addiction than most academic "self help" books. This book's "Ah Ha" for me was realizing, even though I have not been involved with drugs, I have developed habits (addictions) over the years conveniently ignored by me that have given me much grief. This book has outlined ways for me to work on these habits now that some of them have come to light. While reading this well written, easy to understand book of guidance, I realized too this is not just a book for the individual "under the influence" of drugs but should be helpful to those who are not "under the influence" in understanding a little more clearly what their friends, family members or acquaintances are going through as they work on this difficult experience. I would recommend Soderman's hopeful and helpful book to anyone wishing to understand those addicted and/or themselves more clearly. This is an important book which in 200 pages can provide guidance to a more productive life for many of us.

Though I am not a recovering addict, I am a sufferer of Clinical Depression and Social Anxiety Disorder. Having finished this book, I hope to study it and the information contained within further, and plan to put these new thought techniques into practice. Although I am in the early stages, I can already feel the benefits of simple meditation, disputing negative feelings, and new critical thinking steps. I hope that this book will work as well in mental recovery as well as it seems to for addiction recovery.

Powerless No Longer presents a science based approach to addiction recovery with an emphasis on critical thinking.This book can be helpful to support any recovery program (AA/12 Step, SMART Recovery, Secular Organization for Sobriety, Women For Sobriety or Celebrate Recovery to name a few).It would also be helpful for addiction professionals to assist them to learn about 'alternate recovery.'Mr. Soderman's contribution will be helpful for SMART Recovery facilitators.I suggest this book be added to the SMART Recovery Reading ListGuy C. Lamunyon MSN, RN, CASCertified Addictions Specialist

Very helpful!

We need more books like this. A balanced, well thought out, experience-based application of CBT in recovery. I quit AA after 14 years. I don't believe their 1930s mental health technology was good for me in the long term. There's lots of crazy pro- and anti-AA stuff out there. Ignore it. Find the balanced and informed research, such as this. It will explain a lot about what's going on for any problem drinker, and it's based in reality, not an imaginary friend. My one critical point was I thought the cover might have been better designed, but we all know not to judge a book by its cover, right..?

Great read for anyone in recovery!! I feel great after finishing this kindle book loved it start to finish! No need to go to meetings forever I don’t was going to 7 AA meetings a week but I’ve joined Smart Recovery recently and I’m finding a balance only 2-3 a week! This book was recommended on a Smart Recovery article so I bought it I’m glad I came across it.